@funcountess, I usually "test for viability" by placing "some held over" seeds between two dampened paper towels inside. Keeping the towels damp for several days will result in determining whether or not "most" will survive because they will begin to sprout.

I start some seeds in small containers; keep the soil damp but not saturated and wait for the seedlings to sprout before transplanting.

Others I sow directly into raised containers. Snails and other creepy crawlers can wipe out sprouts in no time, too.

Others I just liberally sow in the ground and "hope for the best" smiles. I keep several bird feeders filled and those, along with fresh water dishes, are placed away from the freshly seeded beds.

I've been disappointed many times when purchasing new pkgs of seeds to discover that although they show the current year, they do not sprout.

I've developed a huge appreciation for farmers and the leap of faith it takes for them to plant new crops each year. For individuals like me, it is a gamble every year, even with the flats and plant starts I purchase to see what will survive and thrive.

Maybe our master gardener, @sueinmn, will offer more suggestions?